Let me begin by declaring one fact: I am dumb. I signed up to host this week’s Creative Closet many moons ago (maybe a month, I like to exaggerate) and promptly (PUN INTENDED) forgot all about it. Well no, I didn’t forget about the post itself – I was SO excited to shoot these photos in Avalon a few weeks ago, that I think I totally ignored the part of “hosting” that actually makes you a host. SO SORRY Jana and Maegen! As always, you both look beautiful : )

Anyway, the outfit. THE OUTFIT. Saw this skirt in Target (because, where else do I shop?) at the end of spring and snatched it up, thinking I’d definitely wear it for the Indian wedding I had in early June. That plan fell through, but I became absolutely obsessed with the maxi skirt regardless – so much so that I now own it in 2 colors. Hence my take on the “Beaching It” prompt: 1 skirt worn two ways – a daytime swim cover-up and an evening version for dinner down the block!

I was definitely hesitant about this coral color at first. Aren’t I too pale for something so bright? I got over it rather quickly and began pairing the skirt with my plethora of neutral tops to balance it out. Here I’ve got it as a coverup with my favorite white & pink bikini top – a nice way to stay warm in the ocean breeze during a game of cornhole.

You guys. Tim and his cousin Jess took my photos this week as I’ve somehow misplaced an essential part of my tripod. You know, the piece that attaches the camera to the tripod. I digress. Didn’t they do a fantastic job? DON’T I LOOK LIKE AN OCEAN GODDESS? ; )

Here’s outfit #2 – same skirt, different color, added a plain white tank from H&M and a statement necklace to celebrate Stephan’s birthday down the block.

Honestly, this skirt is ridiculously comfortable and flattering but it DOES get caught under chair legs sometimes – especially my rolling chair at work. Just be aware, you guys. PSA.

We had an amazing weekend in Avalon – as per usual – and I cannot wait to be back for Labor Day. We’re so busy this month – 6 different birthdays, for starters! – that we won’t be able to make it back to the shore til the holiday weekend.

What are your upcoming “end of summer” plans?Personally, I like the beach even better in the offseason!

I’m not going to lie, when I typed that post title I absolutely started singing “summer running, happened so fast; summer running, had me a blast.” Anyone else live life like a musical? Except most of the time running is not so fast, and it’s usually not a blast. BUT. There are absolutely a variety of ways to make those hot & humid workouts just a littttttle bit better.

I no longer track my time or map my route with my phone when I run – I decided it didn’t really matter how fast I was going as long as I was getting exercise. Right? Right! However, I still have a few key accessories for before, during and after my workouts that keep me healthy, happy and strong. Check them out!

1. FitBit – I know I’ve preached on the merits of my FitBit Flex before, but seriously you guys. If I’m not tracking my time, I still love knowing how many steps I’m taking – during the entire day AND during the course of my run. The FitBit app is crazy ridiculously helpful and basically keeps track of your entire health curriculum for you, including sleep habits. Find the one that works for you!

2. Running belt – How many times in the course of this blog have I mentioned the Target One Spot? I don’t know, because the number is entirely too high to count. It may have been $5, not $1 – but my new flexible, expandable running belt is worth every penny. YES it can hold your iPhone 6 (not yet personally tested with 6+) and YES it can hold your money, car keys and chapstick too! Stay tuned via instagram – I might do a series of “things I can now take running with me,” which I guarantee will be both highly ridiculous and ridiculously entertaining.
3. Headband – I don’t know how long I’ve been growing out my “bangs” but I still have pieces of hair that fall out of my ponytail and hit me in the eyes. A headband is literally the second most crucial element of my run, right after sneakers. These are legitimately perfect: they don’t slide or get super sweaty and smelly, AND they come in some awesome bright colors. #winning

4. OxyRub – Oh man, you guys. Don’t ever forget your sneakers on a beach trip, or you’ll have to run ON the beach… in barefeet. Listen, I love the feeling of sand beneath my toes as much as the next girl but I cannot handle running on that sh*t. My calves tensed up, my knees ached, my muscles were sore for the entire weekend. Relief only came after returning home and slathering OxyRub all over my legs – this stuff is magic, you guys. Best part? It doesn’t smell like IcyHot and it works even better – saving me from stinky, high school preseason nostalgia. Try it out for 20% off with code SAVEOXY2!

5. Protein snack – Is it me, or are you guys ravenously hungry after finishing a run? On second thought, I’m hungry pretty much 86% of the time, so this might be a slightly biased running “necessity.” But I digress: If you are like me and your stomach grumbles the minute you step out of a post-run shower, it’s time to fill up with a healthy snack. Your muscles NEED protein to rebuild and stay healthy, so you aren’t sidelined for your next workout! My current favorites include: peanut butter on wheat toast, greek yogurt/banana/almond butter smoothies, and just about any veggie dipped in hummus – preferably carrots : )

What are your summer running essentials, and how do you stay motivated to work out despite ridiculous temperatures? Talking to you, East Coast heat wave survivors!

Happy Weekend!

This post was a collaboration with Brandbacker, but all opinions are my own! : )

I should probably buy stock in Target. Or at the very least, sign up for a Red Card.

After dealing with some particularly ridiculous clients earlier this week, I stopped for a birthday card on my way home from work – which quickly turned into a half hour of blissful wandering & retail therapy. Here a few fantastic finds from the trip of the week! (Yes, I definitely go atleast once weekly…)

Calling all teacher friends & mom bloggers! I know there are probably a lot of creative and capable people out there who could easily make their own version of this “first day of school” chalkboard – but why, when this adorable one was only $3 in the Target OneSpot!? I picked it up for my kindergarten teacher mom – she was incredibly excited, and immediately proclaimed me to be her favorite child. At least half of that sentence is true.

Paper straws are all the rage, man. The OneSpot had about a gazillion colors – I picked these out to use this weekend when we celebrate Tim’s mom’s birthday. Hopefully we’ll have some delicious cocktails to enjoy them with – ain’t no happy hour like a beach happy hour(s)…!

Swoon. I may or may not have a planner addiction, you guys. I bought a different one about a month back (with a July start date) and I’m finding out that the layout/size just doesn’t work for me. I truly think I’ve found my ideal setup with this new one though. Plus; pink and gold!? Stick a pencil in me cause I’m done.

I also picked up this pair of palazzo pants that I cannot WAIT to wear this weekend with my cream crop top. I’ve been lusting over the trend since it began – who wouldn’t want to wear adorable pants that look put-together but feel like PJ’s? No one, that’s who. These come in multiple colors and patterns – grab your favorite now before they sell out!

What amazing items have you purchased lately from the Mystical Bullseye of Joy?

Hi everyone! I am SO excited to be co-hosting this week’s Creative Closet with Jana and Maegen – they’re wonderful bloggers, and always dressed so beautifully too! I’ve definitely expanded my wardrobe ideas since I started to link up.

If you’re new here, check out my About page to find out why Drink the Day exists – I promise it’s short and sweet ; ) Now, let’s get to the outfit!

The moment I saw the prompts for May, I immediately signed up to co-host Pattern on Bottom – solely because of this amazing skirt. I found it at the Gap a few years ago, and I patiently wait all year round to wear it on repeat during the summer months.

Did I mention it’s also a dress? No? It’s also a dress. I guess that means it’s actually a dress that I’ve folded over into a skirt, but the tag suggested it so I’m not taking any credit.

The first time I wore this outfit while visiting Naples, FL in February, I briefly worried if I was perhaps too old for a crop top. Then I decided I quite frankly did not care what anyone in Naples thought about my pale abdomen and wore it anyway ; ) We’ll see if I have that same bravado in Avalon in a few weeks… Time to stock up on self-tanner?

Seriously. How amazing does Jana look right now?! I can only hope to look HALF that good when I’m pregnant. And speaking of “chic” mamas, Maegen is absolutely rocking this week’s outfit.

Please don’t forget to link back to my post, Jana’s or Maegen’s and let people know you’re joining us for The Creative Closet! Alternately, you can share the button in your post or on your sidebar. I’m SO excited for next week – lace is absolutely perfect for the summer months!

This awesome linkup will go live every Tuesday at 12 am EST. Bloggers will be able to submit their take on the week’s prompt. We hope you’ll use this linkup to get creative with your style, make friend’s, inspire and be inspired, and grow your blogging community. We’re so thrilled you want to link up with us!

Here are the rules:

1) Follow your hosts and the week’s co-host (first 3 links)

2) Visit and comment on 5 other blogs–don’t just share your link and run! That’s no fun. Remember to be an encourager! : )

3) In your blog post, share either The Creative Closet button or a link back to this post on your blog.

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